Marble Rye Bread

Make soft and tasty Marble Rye Bread at home with this simple recipe – ideal for sandwiches or serving on the side.

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Rest Time 2

Total Time 3

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 12 Slices

Calories 160 kcal

3 cups bread flour: Gives the bread its firm shape and chewy bite.
2 cups rye flour: Adds that distinct earthy rye taste. Use light, medium, or dark based on your liking.
1½ cups warm water (around 110°F): Helps activate the yeast and blend the dough.
2¼ tsp active dry yeast: Makes the dough rise and creates a fluffy texture.
1 tbsp sugar: Feeds the yeast and brings a light touch of sweetness.
2 tsp salt: Balances flavor and supports the dough’s structure.
1 tbsp caraway seeds (optional): For that traditional rye flavor, like deli bread.

1 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened): Adds a rich, dark color without changing the taste.
1 tbsp molasses: Gives a hint of sweetness and deep flavor to the dark swirl.

Bread flour: All-purpose flour works too, but bread flour gives better structure.
Rye flour: Choose light for a milder taste or dark for a stronger rye flavor.
Molasses: No molasses? Use honey or maple syrup instead.

Mix warm water (about 110°F), sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes until it gets foamy. If it doesn’t foam, the yeast might be old or the water wasn’t the right temperature.

For the light dough, mix half the bread flour, rye flour, salt, and caraway seeds (if using), then add half the yeast mixture and stir.
For the dark dough, do the same with the rest of the flours and salt, but also add cocoa powder and molasses before adding the remaining yeast mixture.

Knead each dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth. If sticky, add a little more flour. You can also use a stand mixer to save time (about 5–7 minutes on medium speed).

Place each dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled—about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Roll out both doughs into rectangles, stack the dark over the light, press gently, and roll them up into a log. Place seam-side down in a greased pan and let rise again for 45–60 minutes until puffy.

Keyword Homemade Rye Bread, Marble Rye Bread, rye bread, rye bread recipe, Swirled Rye